SMITH ANGERED BY CLOSURE OF HILL OF TARVIT MANSION HOUSE

4.47.45pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 20th May 2009

The National Trust for Scotland has today announced that it is closing Hill of Tarvit Mansion House near Cupar.

Local MSP, Iain Smith said:

"There will be considerable consternation and anger in North East Fife that the National Trust for Scotland is pressing ahead with the proposed closure of Hill of Tarvit Mansion House.

"Rather than working with the local community to develop a new business model to ensure the long-term viability of this significant and historic house they have chosen the short-term and short-sighted option of closure.

"As the National Trust will still have to meet maintenance and preservation costs for the mansion and its important collections, it is questionable whether this is a financially sound decision.

"The loss of this important tourist venue is also bad news for the local economy at what is already a difficult time.

"I will continue to press the national Trust to live up to its responsibilities by keeping Hill of Tarvit Mansion House open to the public."